Giggs: Ibrahimovic and Pogba key for United title challenge

Ryan Giggs has not given up on the hope of seeing his Manchester United win the title this year despite the Red Devils trailing leaders Manchester City by eight points after 11 games.

Giggs believes that the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba will give Jose Mourinho the necessary ammunition to overcome the current deficiency in points.

United and Manchester City will meet at Old Trafford on December 10, with Ibrahimovic expected to return around that time while Pogba returns to the first team later this month.

“I still see Manchester United as the main title rivals for City this season, with Jose Mourinho’s record being key, while he should have Pogba and Ibrahimovic to come back when you really need those big-name players to make an impact.” Giggs told Sky Sports.

Mourinho has been unfortunate to see a number of key names in his squad being sidelined due to injuries in recent months, while the Citizens are yet to sustain a defeat this season.

New signing Romelu Lukaku has also failed to sustain his initial good form as he is currently in a seven-match goalless run. Giggs, who was reported to have accepted a part-time job as technical director in Vietnam, has not ruled out Tottenham Hotspur too.

He added: “Tottenham have also been impressive, and I had thought they would struggle going for the title with the Wembley and playing in the Champions League, but they’ve gotten over it really well, so I’d have them third in the mix.”

While Spurs are even on points with the Red Devils at present, Pochettino’s men have been hit by an injury crisis of late with no less than eight players unavailable for selection.

Spurs face a difficult challenge on Saturday when they play bitter-rivals Arsenal at the Emirates, while United will be looking to reduce the gap at the top of the table against Newcastle.